18 Of The Greatest Golf Shots In History (Including Hole-In-One)

Golf is a game that captures the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. It requires precision, skill and mental fortitude, producing some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Golf creates unforgettable memories that stand the test of time – From the rolling hills of Augusta National to the windswept links of Scotland.

In this article, we’ll explore the greatest golf shots ever played, showcasing the moments that have defined the sport and inspired generations of golfers. We’ll visit the legendary feats of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, as well as the unlikely heroics of underdogs and one-hit wonders; you’ll hear the stories behind each shot, the challenges overcome and the impact they had on the game.

Let’s get started.

Defining Greatness: What Makes a Legendary Golf Shot?

In the world of golf, certain shots stand out from the rest, etching themselves into the annals of the sport’s history. But what exactly makes a golf shot legendary? What are the elements that elevate a single swing from mere excellence to iconic status?

The Importance of Skill and Difficulty

At the most basic level, a legendary shot requires an exceptional display of skill. It’s not enough to simply hit the ball well; the shot must demonstrate a level of technical proficiency that sets it apart from the norm. This might involve navigating a treacherous hazard, shaping the ball around a tree or executing a delicate flop shot from a tight lie.

Before attempting any challenging shot, it’s crucial to set up your golf shot correctly. Proper alignment and setup are fundamental to executing even the most difficult shots successfully.

The difficulty of the shot also plays a crucial role in determining its legendary status. Shots that require a high degree of precision, creativity and risk-taking are more likely to be remembered than those that are relatively straightforward.

Pressure and Timing: The Clutch Factor

Of course, skill and difficulty alone aren’t enough to make a shot legendary. The context in which the shot occurs is equally important. Shots that are hit under intense pressure, with everything on the line, are the ones that truly stand out.

Think of Tiger Woods’ famous chip-in on the 16th hole at the 2005 Masters, or Justin Leonard’s monster putt at the 1999 Ryder Cup. These shots demanded nerves of steel and the ability to perform in the clutch.

Shaping Narratives and Defining Careers

Legendary golf shots can shape the narrative of a tournament, altering the course of history with a single swing. Jack Nicklaus’ one-iron at the 1972 U.S. Open, for example, is remembered not just for its technical brilliance, but for the way it propelled Nicklaus to victory and cemented his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Similarly, legendary shots can define a player’s career, becoming the signature moment that they’re remembered for. For better or worse, certain players will always be associated with a particular shot, whether it’s Tom Watson’s chip-in at Pebble Beach or Jean van de Velde’s disastrous triple-bogey at Carnoustie.

The Emotional Impact of Iconic Moments

Perhaps the most important factor in determining a shot’s legendary status is the emotional impact it has on those who witness it. The greatest shots in golf history are the ones that make us feel something, whether it’s joy, disbelief or heartbreak.

A Showdown of Golfing Brilliance

We have compiled a list of golf’s most legendary shots. Each entry will include a brief description of the shot, the player who executed it, the context in which it occurred, and a video of the said shot (when possible).

As we explore each shot on the list, we’ll also cover the unique challenges and obstacles that the players had to overcome – a tricky lie in the rough, a daunting water hazard, the pressure of a playoff hole, etc.

The Masters: A Breeding Ground for Iconic Shots

The Masters, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, has a rich history of producing unforgettable moments. Here are some of the most legendary shots from this iconic tournament:

Tiger Woods’ Chip-In (2005)

On the 16th hole in the final round, Woods faced a tricky lie off the green. He delivered a stunning chip shot that rolled down the slope and into the hole for an improbable birdie, ultimately leading to his fourth Masters victory.

Here is a short video of Woods’ sublime shot:

Phil Mickelson’s Pine Straw Shot (2010)

In the final round, Mickelson found himself in the pine straw on the 13th hole. He boldly decided to go for the green, hitting a remarkable 6-iron shot through a narrow gap between two trees, setting up an eagle putt that he would go on to make.

You can watch the video below:

Bubba Watson’s Hook Shot (2012)

In a sudden-death playoff against Louis Oosthuizen, Watson found his drive deep in the woods on the 10th hole. Faced with a seemingly impossible shot, he hit a miraculous 40-yard hook shot that landed on the green, setting up his victory.

Jack Nicklaus’ Putt (1986)

At age 46, Nicklaus made a legendary charge in the final round, capped off by a dramatic 18-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. This putt helped secure his sixth Masters title and is considered one of the most iconic moments in golf history.

Larry Mize’s Chip-In (1987)

In a sudden-death playoff against Greg Norman, Mize faced a difficult chip shot from well off the green on the 11th hole. He stunned everyone by holing the shot, securing his first and only major championship victory.

Sandy Lyle’s Bunker Shot (1988)

Louis Oosthuizen’s Albatross (2012)

On the par-5 2nd hole in the final round, Oosthuizen hit a stunning 4-iron shot from 253 yards out that rolled into the hole for an extremely rare albatross (double eagle). While he would eventually lose in a playoff, this shot remains one of the most memorable in Masters history.

The Ryder Cup: Where Pressure and Passion Collide

The Ryder Cup, a biennial team competition between the United States and Europe, has produced countless legendary shots over the years. Here are some of the most memorable moments:

Seve Ballesteros’ 3-Wood (1983)

In his singles match against Fuzzy Zoeller, Ballesteros hit a stunning 3-wood from 245 yards out on the 18th hole, setting up a birdie that helped secure a crucial point for Europe.

Unfortunately, we were unable to find actual footage of this shot; it is claimed that the camera never captured it for some reason. Rest in peace, Seve.

Paul Azinger’s Hole-Out (1993)

With the U.S. team trailing by one point heading into the final day, Azinger holed out from the bunker on the 18th hole to win his match against Nick Faldo and tie the overall score.

Justin Leonard’s Putt (1999)

Facing a crucial 45-foot putt on the 17th hole of his match against José María Olazábal, Leonard drained it, sparking a massive celebration and helping the U.S. complete a remarkable comeback.

Graeme McDowell’s Putt (2010)

In the final match of the 2010 Ryder Cup, McDowell faced a crucial putt on the 16th hole to maintain Europe’s lead. He made the putt, helping secure a narrow victory for Europe.

Ian Poulter’s Birdie Run (2012)

Poulter played a crucial role in Europe’s comeback victory, birdieing the last five holes of his match against Webb Simpson to help shift the momentum in Europe’s favor.

Patrick Reed’s Putt (2016)

In a thrilling singles match against Rory McIlroy, Reed drained a 25-foot birdie putt on the 8th hole to tie the match, ultimately winning 1-up to help the U.S. team to victory.

These shots demonstrate the incredible pressure and significance of every moment in the Ryder Cup, showcasing the skill, passion and determination of some of golf’s greatest players.

The Unlikely Heroes: Surprise Performances and One-Hit Wonders

Throughout golf’s history, there have been many lesser-known players who have managed to etch their names into the record books with a single, unforgettable shot. Here are some of the most memorable moments from these unlikely heroes:

Isao Aoki’s Eagle (1983)

In the 1983 Hawaiian Open, Japanese golfer Isao Aoki hit a stunning approach shot on the final hole that set up an eagle putt, which he made to secure his first and only PGA Tour victory.

Aoki’s win made him the first Japanese player to triumph on the PGA Tour, and his eagle remains one of the most iconic shots in Japanese golfing history.

Jonathan Byrd’s Playoff Hole-in-One (2010)

At the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Jonathan Byrd found himself in a sudden-death playoff against Martin Laird and Cameron Percy.

On the fourth playoff hole, Byrd hit a stunning 6-iron that landed on the green and rolled straight into the hole for a walk-off ace, securing his fourth PGA Tour victory in incredible fashion.

Shaun Micheel’s 7-Iron (2003)

In the final round of the 2003 PGA Championship, little-known American Shaun Micheel held a one-shot lead on the 18th hole. With his second shot, Micheel hit a stunning 7-iron from 175 yards out that landed just inches from the hole, setting up a tap-in birdie that secured his first and only major championship victory.

Jack Fleck’s Playoff Victory (1955)

In the 1955 U.S. Open, Jack Fleck, a little-known municipal course pro from Iowa, found himself in a playoff against the legendary Ben Hogan. On the final hole of the 18-hole playoff, Fleck hit a stunning approach shot that landed just a few feet from the hole, setting up a birdie that secured his improbable victory over Hogan.

Larry Mize’s Chip-In (1987)

In a sudden-death playoff against Greg Norman at the 1987 Masters, Larry Mize hit one of the most famous shots in the tournament’s history. From well off the green on the second playoff hole, Mize hit a stunning chip shot that rolled into the hole for a birdie, securing his first and only major championship victory.

These shots demonstrate the incredible power that a single moment of brilliance can have in golf, and serve as a reminder that on any given day, anyone can achieve greatness on the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have a list of the most frequently asked questions about golf’s greatest shots and achievements.

Final Thoughts

Golf has the power to create moments of pure magic that will live on in the hearts and minds of fans for generations. The sport has produced countless unforgettable shots from iconic champions and unlikely heroes alike, from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the Ryder Cup to the timeless beauty of Augusta National.

These shots remind us of the enduring power of golf to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. No matter how the sport changes in the future, one thing remains constant: the power of a single shot to change everything. To achieve such memorable shots, it’s crucial to master the golf swing takeaway and build a solid foundation for your game. So the next time you step onto the course, remember the incredible legacy of this sport and the potential for greatness that lies within every swing.

Thanks for reading!